Tagged: experimental

[Compare and Contrast] Baths

obsidian baths anticon

Let’s do a little comparing and contrasting today.

I’ve been dying for Will Wisenfeld, otherwise known as Baths, to come out with new music ever since I heard his epic album, Cerulean. To this day, I still can’t imagine taking his song, “Aminals,” off of my top 5. That song is truly wonderful.

But, finding us now 3 years since then – I’m still having a hard time releasing that fondess for that now out of date sound. Wisenfeld’s newer material blurs along the Sufjan Stevens  deconstructed genre of experimental sounds and melodies. Take for instance, the newest released Baths single, “Ironworks.”

Wisenfeld’s vocals are completely at the forefront of the track – compared to Cerulean. In the past, he used his voice more as an instrument which was constantly modified and swept into the layers of the track itself. Now, it’s very apparent the direction we will hear in the upcoming album, Obsidian. Alongside the electronic instrumentals, some more traditional elements are starting to come into focus.

An interesting note, Wisenfeld became bedridden after touring in support of Cerulean after becoming very sick. He immersed himself into dark, old age content that is seemingly a heavy influence on this new and unique sound.

As someone who was a fan of his previous work, I’m still highly curious to hear what the full release sounds like – track by track. Stay tuned via Facebook and do grab “Aminals” below.

Aminals – Baths

Right-click and enjoy.

[Music Video] Native – André Uhl

I recently featured André Uhl for his late night, eerie sounds when he dropped his latest EP. I love when artists connect the audio to the visual and Uhl did just that when he translated his track, “Native,” off of Creatures into his latest music video.

It’s dark, mysterious and along the lines of slightly creepy as the main focal point feels only inches off of the wet, forest floor. Going on a long and foggy trip, this video is well produced and best enjoyed full screen.

For more, check out his newest single, “Oil,” that was recently featured in the Lumenous 2 compilation.

[Coachella] 10 days.

white arrows

I think a little revisit on White Arrows is in order. I’ve touched on them lightly here at what’s protocol and I’d love to dive a bit deeper.

Anything that describes itself as electronic gospel is pretty much my favorite thing. For whatever reason, these guys embrace the weird. And I’m pretty much all about that. I have no doubt that Coachella will be the perfect environment to catch White Arrows live for the first time.

Their latest album titled, Dry Land Is Not a Myth, ranges from driving guitar tracks to psych-pop electro bangers. I love that the sound doesn’t seem constrained – perhaps they are still trying to find their genre but I’m enjoying the trip it allows our ears at the moment. They’re like a more wild STRFKR if I had to make comparisons. Check out a few of my favorite tracks from the release below.

Enjoy.

[Music Video] Woolgatherer – Conveyor

Remember how awesome we think Brooklyn’s Conveyor is?

Well, they finally put out a video to go with the completely nutty sounding track, “Woolgatherer.” It’s a bit beyond trippy with all of the close-up visuals and psychedelic effects.

Be sure to check out the video below and listen to the rest of their self-titled release here.

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[Sunday Listening] VOL​/​ONE – HLF / PIN

You all should know by now that I’m a sucker for compilations. And this one needs a bit of extra promo. Ever since I caught wind of the indie net label, HLF/PIN, I couldn’t stop myself from pouring through their ambient/electronic releases. But unfortunately for us, all things come to an end.

VOL/ONE will be their final release, and a damn good one at that. It’s a mixture of experimental tones and textures that are just meant to be played in the background of your day. Hit the play button below and stream out your Sunday in dedication to another great little label folding.

[Late Night] the volume settings folder

the volume settings folderI think part of the fun of being on multiple social networks with this blog is getting to see the different audiences we reach. Recently an Italian musician sent over his latest work, yet all I could think about was trying to figure out where I recognized the volume settings folder. Finally it came to me…tumblr. I kind of love that connection.

I try not to identify with specific genres on this blog – it’s more or less a blanket of songs I’m obsessed with at any given moment. But every so often I hear something a bit out of my realm. Atmospheric instrumentals and droning synths that range to almost post-rock at times can completely stop me in my tracks.

This sort of music puts me in a completely pensive mood, and I really enjoy that. Just as some music can hype you up, I love to let other sounds bring me down. Fresh off of the German label, Organic Industries, tune your ears to his latest release, Ivan Hoe and Other Tales.

Dark and ambient, this isn’t a listen for everyone’s ears but certainly ideal for your late nights.

BONUS:   Also check out his newest track that’s featured on HLF/PIN’s latest compilation. God, I love the Italian audio samples.

[Meet] A Quiet State

a quiet state

This is all my ears need at the very moment. Melodies that trail on, minimal layers of instrumentation, and glassed over vocals. Meet Luxembourg’s A Quiet State.

A simple, anonymous bedroom project that straddles the line of ambient electronic music and post-rock, looping instrumentals – I really enjoy the diversity and exploration that’s apparent in his upcoming album, Bear.  Listen to a couple of tracks he’s released so far and mark your calendars for the March 1st debut. Enjoy.

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[Meet] Úlfur

I thoroughly enjoy when artists span genres – like for instance, Iceland’s Úlfur Hansson.  As a member of the hardcore group, Swords of Chaos, Úlfur completely takes a 180 with his intricate yet expansive sound.

Recently signing onto the Austin label, Western Vinyl, Úlfur embarks on his own journey as a solo artist taking in the wide spectrum of influences he’s come across over his career. As touring member of Jónsi, it’s not surprising to hear the vast soundscapes he so delicately imagines.

His highly anticipated debut, White Mountain, is slated to drop next month – catch a listen to a couple of tracks that have already been released for the public’s ears. Enjoy.